Keyboard and mouse still rules many PC games, but for racing, adventures, platformers and relaxed play from the sofa, a good controller is simply more comfortable — and the best now plug in and work with almost nothing to set up. Whether you want a competitive edge or just a familiar pad in your hands, there is a controller here for you. An extensive test of PC controllers sorted the best, and these are the top picks, checked against current UK prices.
What to Look For
Wired or wireless. A wired controller gives the lowest possible latency and never runs out of charge, which is why competitive players still favour it. A wireless pad, connecting over Bluetooth or a little USB dongle, frees you from the cable and the best now last a long time between charges — up to around 40 hours on the most efficient, though many sit closer to 10 hours. Choose based on whether lag or freedom matters more to you.
Compatibility. This is where things get easy or fiddly. Xbox controllers are natively recognised by Windows, so they are the safest, most plug-and-play choice on PC. Others need a quick driver or app, but often reward you with wider support — the best also pair with Android, Mac and the Nintendo Switch, so one pad covers several devices.
Sticks and drift. The bane of older controllers is stick drift, where a worn stick registers movement you did not make. The newest pads increasingly use Hall-effect sensors, a magnetic design that resists this wear, so look for them if you want a controller that stays accurate for years.
Extra buttons and response. For advanced play, remappable back buttons — often a set of 4 — let you jump or reload without moving your thumbs off the sticks. Competitive players should also check the polling rate, or how often the pad reports to the PC: a standard 60 Hz is fine for most, while a fast 240 Hz or even 480 Hz shaves off precious milliseconds in fast-paced shooters.
Comfort and build. You will hold this for hours, so grip, weight and button feel matter enormously. A robust build and a decent cable — a generous 3-metre lead on a wired pad — round out a controller you will actually enjoy using.
The Winner: Razer Wolverine V2
The Razer Wolverine V2 (around £56.53) is the best PC controller for keen gamers. It is very comfortable to hold for long sessions, adds a handful of extra buttons for advanced play, and uses a wired connection for the lowest possible latency — exactly what competitive players want. It is built to Razer's usual high standard and feels precise and responsive in the hand. If you take your PC gaming seriously and do not mind a cable, it is the pick. Check the price on Amazon
Best All-Rounder: Xbox Wireless Controller
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The Xbox Wireless Controller (around £49.99) is the safe, do-anything choice. Because Windows recognises it natively, it is the most reliable plug-and-play pad on PC, with no drivers to wrestle. It has excellent ergonomics, first-rate build quality and is genuinely easy to install, and it doubles as your controller for an Xbox and, over Bluetooth, for a phone or tablet. For most people who just want a controller that works everywhere with zero fuss, this is the one to buy. Check the price on Amazon
Best Retro Style: 8BitDo Pro 3
The 8BitDo Pro 3 (around £59.99) is the characterful choice. Its old-school, retro-inspired design is a lovely nod to the pads of the past, but the finish and feel are thoroughly modern, and it is wonderfully versatile — as well as PC it is compatible with Android, Mac and the Nintendo Switch, so it can follow you across all your devices. For anyone who wants personality alongside broad compatibility, it is a delight. Check the price on Amazon
Also Tested
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The source test turned up a few other worthwhile pads. The Nacon Revolution X Unlimited is an ultra-customisable premium option for those who want to tweak everything, while the Scuf Envision Pro is another high-end, feature-packed controller. At the budget end, the Aura Oniverse offers Hall-effect sticks and up to 10 hours of play for under fifty pounds, making it a strong cheap pick if you can find it.
How to Choose
Match the pad to how you play. For serious, competitive gaming where every millisecond counts, the wired Razer Wolverine V2 is the one to buy. If you just want a reliable controller that works instantly on Windows and everything else, the Xbox Wireless Controller is the effortless all-rounder. And if you want a pad with character that also covers your phone, Mac and Switch, the 8BitDo Pro 3 is a charmer. Whichever you pick, favour Hall-effect sticks to avoid drift, decide honestly between wired latency and wireless freedom, and make sure it feels good in your hands.
Verdict
The Razer Wolverine V2 is the PC controller to buy for keen gamers at around £56.53: comfortable, precise, wired and packed with extra buttons. The Xbox Wireless Controller (around £49.99) is the fuss-free all-rounder that works everywhere on Windows, while the 8BitDo Pro 3 (around £59.99) brings retro charm and broad compatibility. Pick the one that suits your games and your hands, and enjoy playing the way that feels best.
